Fringe Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow is set to assess his options this off-season despite being contracted at Ikon Park for 2023.
Dow has been placed on the outskirts of Michael Voss' senior side this season, featuring in just two games this year while being an unused medical sub on two more occasions.
But despite the lack of opportunities at AFL level, Dow didn't shy away from showing his best, taking out Carlton's VFL best and fairest award after a dominant campaign in the second tier.
The 22-year-old averaged 28.4 disposals, 7.8 clearances, 3.2 tackles, 4.5 inside 50s and 0.9 goals per game in the VFL in 2022, but his impressive numbers weren't enough to break into Voss' star-studded engine room ensemble.
With his position at the Blues seeing Dow as no guarantee for a spot at AFL level in 2023, the young midfielder is now set to expire his options this off-season.
According to 7 News' Mitch Cleary, Blues list boss Nick Austin has confirmed Dow will weigh up any external interest in the trade period, which commenced on Monday morning.
Carlton list manager Nick Austin has confirmed contracted midfielder Paddy Dow has a desire to explore his options this trade period @7NewsMelbourne
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) October 2, 2022
Dow is contracted for 2023, meaning the Blues will be required to enter trade discussions with rival clubs to see the midfielder move on.
It will be a sad state of affairs for Carlton, who selected Dow with the third overall selection in the 2017 National Draft.
Both the Tigers and Cats have been floated as potential suitors for the Swan Hill product, with his brother Thomson currently plying his trade with the former, while Dow developed with the Geelong Falcons before being drafted.
